The Smokies are here!! First day entering the park after snapping some photos down by Fontana Dam. After waiting so long to visit the park, I had this feeling we might cross into the park, leave behind a trail of dry earth and no foliage, and enter a springtime-y paradise of green and blooming trees and wildflowers.
Fontana Dam
An amazing day today rolling on into Fontana Dam, the southern boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, under more beautiful skies and temps in the 70s. Oh yeah, and my Mom is an absolute superstar. Having overnighted a week's worth of food to me here, I'm ready to roll through the park with Professor T to Hot Springs.
Cable Gap
You know, I'm really getting tired of these gorgeous weather days. Nice and warm today in the 60s, and all sunshine. Wonderful views from the top of Cheoah Bald, a natural bald summit (some of the southern "balds" are actually mowed to maintain their bald look). Most of the group from last night is here--Professor T, Semicolon, Curious George, Ben, Slick, and Mo, along with a group of Boy Scouts.
Sassafras Gap
Finally, our drought of not seeing other thru-hikers has come to an end. Another blue sky day, though a bit warmer than the last two thankfully, and Semicolon, Professor T, and I waited til 10am so we could get stove fuel at the Outfitter. Also heard that Fontana Dam grocery store up the trail is closed, so I hope my Mom can come through with an express package of food to the Fontana post office!
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Brrrr. Very cold night last night at Cold Spring. Temp was down around 10-15 degrees, and no one was toasty; convinced me to call Mountainsmith at the N.O.C. about the down feathers that appear to be shifting in my sleeping bag. Feet a little better today after another night of therapy, and they didn't get worse in the 6 miles of downhill to the N.O.C.
Cold Spring
Last night, Semicolon and Professor T and I were treated to an incredible thunderstorm that lasted for over an hour. Rain pelted the aluminum roof of the shelter on Siler Bald like marbles on a snare drum. Good thing we had two electrical engineers to figure out who'd get fried first if the aluminum roof got struck by lightning.
Siler Bald
Hi all! Had to skip a few entries there to speed things along a bit. I bet some of you were wondering how I was able to manage 79.8 miles in just one day! Well, for those of you who are keeping track, my record for daily miles is just under half of that, at around 34 miles. But, lucky for me, I don't have any of those kinds of days planned on this hike...